Scotland’s first neo-bistro, AIZLE*, opens in Edinburgh this April. Co-owned by husband and wife Stuart Ralston and Krystal Goff, the 36-seater eaterie will serve a set-menu dinner and fresh cocktails of that day’s best market offerings, five nights a week. The chef/mixologist couple are bringing their style of French bistronomie to the capital via New York City and Barbados.

Stuart and Krystal have travelled all over the world, cooking and making drinks for high-profile people in luxurious surroundings. Whilst their experiences have been thrilling, educational, and unique, their true desire is to work for themselves, serving food and cocktails in a humble and unpretentious environment. As a Scot, Stuart loves his home country and had always planned to return home to cook his style of food incorporating the various techniques he has learned during 13 years in the trade. Seattle-born Krystal has fallen in love with Edinburgh since meeting Stuart, saying it feels more like home to her than anywhere she has previously lived.

Stuart said: “We’re both very excited to finally have our own place in Scotland. During our journey towards opening, we’ve been gathering and refining some great ideas, ones that we’re dying to reveal. In essence, our concept is about giving people an enjoyable, stimulating, tasty and affordable evening out. One they will remember for all the right reasons, and will hopefully return for again and again.”

The restaurant is housed in former Chinese restaurant Karen Wong’s on St Leonard’s Street. The interiors are currently undergoing a complete makeover that will result in light, airy and casual dining spaces with a mixture of tables and banquettes, complemented by a bar with 8 dining stations.

THE MENU

Aizle will have no traditional menu – something completely unique to Scotland and to most of the UK. With no menu, Stuart will have the freedom to utilise the best produce from farms and suppliers. The customer benefits by knowing everything on their plate is at the height of its freshness and seasonality. A 4-course tasting menu will cost around £35, and will be available with or without matched drinks.

THE BAR

Krystal has worked behind the bars of some of the hottest NYC establishments and brings her eclectic and sometimes unconventional style of mixology with her to Aizle. Expect to see a whisky-driven list during the launch period.